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Field Evaluation of Hybrid-Composite Girder Bridges in Missouri

On August 11th, 2010 the allocation of $360,000 in Highways for Life funds was made for the use of Hybrid Composite Beams (HCB) on Route 97, over Sons Creek in Dade County, which is one of three bridge replacements comprising the Safe and Sound Bridge Improvement Program. These HCBs are comprised of three main sub-components, including: 1) a shell, 2) compression reinforcement, and 3) tension reinforcement. In the preferred embodiment, the shell is comprised of a fiber reinforced plastic (FRP) box beam. The compression reinforcement consists of cement or concrete, which is pumped into a profiled conduit within the beam shell. The tension reinforcement consists of carbon, glass or steel fibers anchored at the ends of the compression reinforcement. This study examines the field performance of these HCB members through in-situ monitoring and load testing over a two-year period. This study examines the field performance of these HCB members through in-situ monitoring and load testing over a two year period.